The Staley School of Leadership Studies invites alumni, students and friends to the 2021 Spirit of Leadership. The 2021 event will include virtual sessions on leadership practices, research and innovation, and wellbeing Sept. 27-30, and an in-person celebration Friday, Oct. 1.
All event registration, including discounted football tickets, are available on our website.
Virtual leadership learning sessions
MONDAY, SEPT. 27
11 a.m. – noon Coaching and Leadership
Andrew Wefald, Ph.D., associate professor, Staley School of Leadership Studies
Ariel Griffen, program officer for education, Children International; Staley School of Leadership Studies alumnae
- This session will focus on how the skills of coaching can broaden your leadership skills and build positive relationships. We will provide framing and guidance around coaching concepts and how they apply to exercising leadership.
Noon – 1 p.m. Research and Innovative Practice Showcase
Kerry L. Priest, Ph.D., associate professor, Staley School of Leadership Studies
Brandon W. Kliewer, Ph.D., associate professor, Staley School of Leadership Studies
- As part of K-State’s land-grant mission, the Staley School is dedicated to research that strengthens our communities, state and world. In this session, members of our research team will highlight projects in our scholarly focus areas of advancing leadership learning and development, building civic capacity, and leading change. We’ll also share pathways for partnering with the Staley School to impact your organization or community’s challenges.
TUESDAY, SEPT. 28
11 a.m. – noon Gathering With Purpose: Difficult Dialogues
Tamara Bauer, instructor, Staley School of Leadership Studies
- How do we create spaces where people can come together and make progress, especially when tensions are high? The ways in which we gather and convene people makes a difference – and, is an exercise in leadership. In this session we’ll explore strategies to bring people together through dialogue. We encourage you to bring your own challenge or issue in which you can explore during this session.
WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 29
10-11 a.m. Performance Mindset
Jon McGraw, co-founder and partner, Visionpursue
- This session will explore how to use mindfulness and meditation to improve performance and decrease stress.
THURSDAY, SEPT. 30
11 a.m. – noon In the Shadows No More: The Spirit of the Negro Leagues Continues to Inspire Today
James F. Byland, Ph.D., assistant professor, Staley School of Leadership Studies
- Known in its heyday as Shadowball, the Negro Leagues reflected a spirit of agency and resilience in an era of Jim Crow and extreme segregation. In this 101st year following the founding of the Negro Leagues in nearby Kansas City, it is important to acknowledge its rich history and how its message resonates even today. In learning about black baseball players and the community of media, fans and owners, we can use the Negro Leagues as a vehicle to lead us into deeper conversations about race, activism and social justice within our own communities.
Noon – 1 p.m. Leading Teams in a Virtual World
Casey L. Carlson, managing director, Deloitte; member of the inaugural graduating class of the leadership studies minor
- In the shift to virtual work that’s defining our current reality, many leaders are struggling with the best ways to keep their teams and themselves healthy, happy and productive. Teams that were used to working together physically were suddenly forced to switch to new virtual and hybrid methods. This brings new challenges and new ways of leadership. Join Casey Carlson, Managing Director – Deloitte Workplace Design to learn principals for mastering virtual leadership of teams.
FRIDAY, OCT. 1
10-11 a.m. Leading Change: Mandela Washington Fellowship Program Alumni Event
David and Ellie Everitt, 2021 Staley School of Leadership Studies Michael C. Holen Leaders in Residence
- In this session we invite alumni of the Mandela Washington Fellowship program to connect with one another and Dave and Ellie Everitt, the Michael C. Holen Leaders in Residence, and founders of the Leading Change Institutes. We will discuss impact stories from the program and hear from Dave and Ellie about their vision and goal behind Leading Change.
Celebration Event: 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 1
Join us in the Leadership Studies Building Town Hall for an in-person program honoring our Michael C. Holen Leaders in Residence, David and Ellie Everitt, followed by a reception to connect with them and each other. If you are unable to come in person, you can join us on Zoom for the formal program at 6:30 p.m.
K-State Football vs. OU: 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 2
Discounted tickets are available. Sit with us in section 17!
The 2021 and 2022 Snyder Leadership Legacy Fellows will be recognized on the field prior to kickoff.
The Staley School programs and academics help students build community and develop leadership skills. Help us continue to provide the best for our students by joining us in the Spirit of Giving and support Staley School students in their leadership journey.
